KGS Announces Release of 2006 Earth Science Week Toolkits

The Kansas Geological Survey (KGS), in cooperation with the American Geological Institute (AGI), is supporting Earth Science Week activities this October 8-14, 2006, by making available Earth Science Week Toolkits. KGS is distributing the toolkits to individuals and groups interested in holding their own Earth Science Week activities and programs.

The Earth Science Week Toolkit includes information and resources for the public, university, and K-12 students. Examples of toolkit resources include U.S. Geological Survey sponsored studies that recruit and train individuals to monitor amphibian and bird population status and trends; monitor regional ozone levels with an ozone garden designed and used by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center; learn GPS and GIS applications for earth science education; or, undertake classroom activities based on the National Science Education Standards. Additional resources and activities that complement the toolkits are available from the Earth Science Week website at http://www.earthsciweek.org.

Earth Science Week is an annual event organized by AGI to help the public gain a better understanding and appreciation for the Earth Sciences and to encourage stewardship of the Earth. The theme of this year's Earth Science Week is: "Be a Citizen Scientist!" The goal is to offer the public opportunities to discover the Earth sciences. Central to the goal is to engage participants in real "citizen science" collecting data, observing, and testing for real scientific endeavors.

Earth Science Week 2006 Toolkits can be obtained from the Kansas Geological Survey, 1930 Constant Ave., Lawrence, KS 66047-3726 (or phone 785-864-3965). A limited supply are available free of charge, plus $3.00 for handling and postage. Additional copies may be purchased for $4.95 each. Kansas residents should call for specific sales tax owed. More information about KGS books, maps, and other products is available at the Survey's web site (www.kgs.ku.edu).